FLUORESCENCE STUDY OF CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES OF BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN UNDER PEROXYNITRITE IN SOLUTION

Abstract

The effect of peroxynitrite on bovine serum albumin (BSA) calls forth the processes that lead to the destruction of its native structure. The degree of the destruction depends on the nature of the reactions occurring under the influence of peroxynitrite: if the substrate is passive in chemical terms, the effect of peroxynitrite is mediated through hydroxyl radicals. If the substrate is active, then taking into account the short lifetime of peroxynitrite, the latter is directly involved in the reaction with the substrate. Considering the varying amount of protein globule as depending on pH, its heterogeneous structure, one can assume the simultaneous contribution of the two mechanisms of peroxynitrite effect: both radical and ion. However, taking into account the reactivity of amino acids, one can surmise about the dominance of the peroxynitrite radical effect on the protein globule. Thus, peroxynitrite effects bovine serum albumin in a partially destructive way, which does not lead to its total denaturation.